Strawberries
Strawberries (Fragaria ) are irregular cone shaped fruits with a green petal top and red juicy flesh that is studded with small seeds.
Health benefits of Strawberries
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Strawberries
Look for firm strawberries with no soft or dark spots. Check the petals (leaves) at the top of the strawberry; the less wilted the leaves, the more fresh the strawberry. Also, the darker red the strawberry, the sweeter it will be; with the exception of really dark spots that are warning signs of rotting.
Climate and origin
Depending on variety, strawberries can grow from cold temperate to subtropical climates (zones 4-9). The exact origin of strawberries is unknown, but wild varieties of strawberries appear all over the world, and are mentioned in ancient Roman writings. The most common June Bearing strawberry is derived from a mix of the Chilean Pine (F. chiloensis) and Scarlet Virginian (F. virginiana) strawberries.
Taste
Strawberries have a sweet fragrant taste, that can be a bit tart, depending on ripeness.
Miscellaneous information
Wild varieties of strawberry are very good and remained popular as late as the 19th century when they were finally superseded by modern hybrids.
Similar tasting produce
Blueberries, Raspberries
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 32 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.3g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.02g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 1mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 7.7g | 3% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 7% | ||
| Total Sugars 4.9g | 10% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 0.67g | 1% | ||
| Vitamin C 58.8mg | 65% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.41mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 16mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 153mg | 3% | ||
| Phosphorus 24mg | 2% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||